What Are The Pros And Cons Of Liquid Medicines Over Tablets And Pills?

Every person needs to take medicine at some point in their life and the normal format usually comes in the form of a pill or a capsule. Patients who find it difficult to take medication, like very young patients or older patients are given liquid forms of the medication. Most people are aware of the liquid OTC analgesic formulations for babies and toddlers, as well as the liquid cold and flu remedies marketed for adults, but few realize that it is possible to obtain alternative formulations for many prescription drugs when the patient has trouble swallowing pills. As always, when taking any medications, whether they are sold by prescription or over the counter, care must be taken to make sure that there will not be any adverse side effects when two or more medications are taken concurrently. You always need to tell your physician and pharmacist about any medicines you are currently taking.

Normally, individuals who take their medications in the form of pills or capsules do not have any difficulties in swallowing the medicine. These may come in several different sizes that range from fairly small to others that are rather big. Sometimes patients have trouble swallowing because of a condition called dysphagia. This condition may develop when one is young and persist throughout life, or it may develop later in life, brought on by an illness or condition that impacts the ability to swallow. When this happens, the best thing to do is to consult with the physician or pharmacist to find out if the prescribed medication comes in a different form, such as a liquid, that would be easier to swallow. There is a lengthy formulation and development process that drugs in a liquid formulation must go through prior to being prescribed for utilization by patients. This is because it is essential that the drug is evenly dispersed throughout the formulation. Liquid formulas frequently state on the label that the bottle needs to be shaken up before ingesting the medicine in order to ensure that the medication is evenly distributed and has not settled at the bottom of the bottle.

It is necessary for the design of liquid formulations to be a bit different than that of tablets so that the patient receives the proper amount of medication without imbibing large quantities of liquids. In addition, it must include an additive that masks the taste of the drug, which is frequently quite bitter and foul tasting. Normally, the average dose is not more than 5 millilitres for children, but adults usually need to take the medicine in a higher dosage. Normally the medication comes as a syrup, mixture or solution and includes sweeteners and flavouring agents to disguise the drug’s taste. Frequently fluids with a thicker viscosity are utilized so that they are not as likely to be spilled or inhaled in error. Additionally, it might have other ingredients that help the drug to stay in the liquid, which will ensure that the drug is going to be effective.

A special measuring spoon comes with liquid medications to ensure that the proper dosage is administered every time. A recent study revealed that when the special measuring spoon was not utilized, the dosage size could vary greatly due to the fact that teaspoons are not made in standard sizes. If you learn that you cannot easily use the spoon that is provided to you, ask your pharmacist for a special medicine cup or an oral syringe so that you will be able to measure the proper dosage correctly.

There are a few basic steps to follow when taking liquid medicine:

1. Be sure that you are aware of the dose you will need to consume.

2. Measure the dosage into the spoon, cup or syringe with care

3. Once the dose has been administered, clean the dispenser thoroughly so that it will be ready when the time comes for the next dose to be administered.

4. Be sure to store the bottle properly; some drugs, like antibiotics, may need to be refrigerated.

A medicine dispenser can be greatly beneficial for any medication that needs to be taken long term. These pumps are designed to fit into the medicine bottle and dispense a specific amount with each pump. These devices will make it easier to provide a correct quantity of a liquid medication when it is administered, especially at night when the lighting may be poor and in situations where dexterity or vision problems are present. Any issues should be discussed with your pharmacist or doctor.

Proper storage of medication is essential and any instructions with regard to the dosage and timing of administration must be followed exactly. In addition, any old medication should be taken to a pharmacy for proper disposal.